Howling at paper moons
Over the past week and a half, quite a few things have happened. The first major event is that I began my first official teaching job. I was so anxious about it because I had been dreaming about that day since I was 13. However, I was well-prepared and I knew exactly what I was going to say and how I was going to say it. I knew that the first day of school was either going to be a total disaster or a great success. I am very fortunate to say that it was a great success!
Thus far, I absolutely LOVE being a teacher. I feel like it's something I've been destined to do my entire life. Some people are meant to be police officers, lawyers, doctors, etc. I am definitely meant to be a teacher. It appears that I have a good rapport with the kids which is really half the battle (especially in the field of special education). It was so heart-warming when the kids told me that their favorite class was MINE. :-) It's moments like that which confirm that I am absolutely destined to be a teacher.
Of course, there are some challenges. I have several students with a wide variety of needs. In special education, it is difficult to meet them all. Not to mention, teachers ACTUALLY work 9-12 hours per day and I'm not exaggerating. I've spent at least six hours calling parents on my own time and fifteen hours doing paperwork. I come home everyday completely drained. However, despite the challenges, I really love what I do. The kids are so fantastic. In addition, I really can't complain about my co-workers. They've been supportive, informative and helpful. Overall, I'm really happy.
I moved into my new apartment last week and I have a new roommate. The apartment is very nice and modern. It's a little smaller than my previous apartment but it's perfectly fine. My previous apartment was a little too big anyways for what we were using it for. I honestly cannot say enough nice things about my new roommate. She's considerate and we share similar lifestyles. I also really like my new location. Several of my friends have accused me of "living in the middle of nowhere" but I'm perfectly happy. My new apartment is 30 minutes away from work (instead of 45) and much closer to school. Not to mention, the traffic isn't as nearly as bad as my previous town. I still have some unpacking to do but overall, I'm nicely settled in.
My love life at this point is completely non-existent and that's entirely by choice. I'm not exactly desiring of my boyfriend at this time. Perhaps that will change eventually but I think it's unlikely any time soon. For the first time, I'm content being entirely single. I have so many wonderful things going on in my life that I don't need a man to fill any sort of void. I've been on a few casual dates but nothing worth mentioning or getting excited about. In all honesty, I'm perfectly content with that aspect of my life.
I began my graduate courses this week. Due to the holiday being on Monday, I only had one class on Tuesday. The class is a doctoral level course so there's only five people in my class and the work quantity is sort of excessive. I suppose that is to be expected but it's a little overwhelming when I'm trying to work. I have an assessment class on Mondays and I'm doing an independent study for my third class. It's hard to believe I only have two semesters left and I'll be finished with my master's program. I'm so happy that area of my life can be put to rest. I haven't ruled out going for my CAGS or doctorate but it wouldn't be for a while.
I think that's it for now. I'm going to watch a DVD.
P.S. If you're in the area and want to see my new apartment, call/leave a message. :-) I'll bake cookies!
Thus far, I absolutely LOVE being a teacher. I feel like it's something I've been destined to do my entire life. Some people are meant to be police officers, lawyers, doctors, etc. I am definitely meant to be a teacher. It appears that I have a good rapport with the kids which is really half the battle (especially in the field of special education). It was so heart-warming when the kids told me that their favorite class was MINE. :-) It's moments like that which confirm that I am absolutely destined to be a teacher.
Of course, there are some challenges. I have several students with a wide variety of needs. In special education, it is difficult to meet them all. Not to mention, teachers ACTUALLY work 9-12 hours per day and I'm not exaggerating. I've spent at least six hours calling parents on my own time and fifteen hours doing paperwork. I come home everyday completely drained. However, despite the challenges, I really love what I do. The kids are so fantastic. In addition, I really can't complain about my co-workers. They've been supportive, informative and helpful. Overall, I'm really happy.
I moved into my new apartment last week and I have a new roommate. The apartment is very nice and modern. It's a little smaller than my previous apartment but it's perfectly fine. My previous apartment was a little too big anyways for what we were using it for. I honestly cannot say enough nice things about my new roommate. She's considerate and we share similar lifestyles. I also really like my new location. Several of my friends have accused me of "living in the middle of nowhere" but I'm perfectly happy. My new apartment is 30 minutes away from work (instead of 45) and much closer to school. Not to mention, the traffic isn't as nearly as bad as my previous town. I still have some unpacking to do but overall, I'm nicely settled in.
My love life at this point is completely non-existent and that's entirely by choice. I'm not exactly desiring of my boyfriend at this time. Perhaps that will change eventually but I think it's unlikely any time soon. For the first time, I'm content being entirely single. I have so many wonderful things going on in my life that I don't need a man to fill any sort of void. I've been on a few casual dates but nothing worth mentioning or getting excited about. In all honesty, I'm perfectly content with that aspect of my life.
I began my graduate courses this week. Due to the holiday being on Monday, I only had one class on Tuesday. The class is a doctoral level course so there's only five people in my class and the work quantity is sort of excessive. I suppose that is to be expected but it's a little overwhelming when I'm trying to work. I have an assessment class on Mondays and I'm doing an independent study for my third class. It's hard to believe I only have two semesters left and I'll be finished with my master's program. I'm so happy that area of my life can be put to rest. I haven't ruled out going for my CAGS or doctorate but it wouldn't be for a while.
I think that's it for now. I'm going to watch a DVD.
P.S. If you're in the area and want to see my new apartment, call/leave a message. :-) I'll bake cookies!